Motorcycle License in Georgia

Introduction

In order to operate a motorcycle in Georgia, you must have a Class M license. Georgia defines a motorcycle as any vehicle that has a saddle for the rider and travels on no more than 3 wheels (excluding a tractor and moped).

About the Georgia Motorcycle License

In Georgia, residents must be at least 17 years old to apply for a Class M motorcycle license with the GA Department of Driver Services (DDS).

There are a few different methods you can use to obtain your license:

  • You can earn a Class MP motorcycle learner's permit as early as 16 years old and practice riding before taking your road test.
  • You can take a Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Course (this includes a knowledge test and on-cycle exam, that will give you a 90 day waiver to take to the DDS ―see below).
  • You can apply at the DDS without a permit or a Basic Course completion―you will be required to take the knowledge test and on-cycle exams when you apply.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent/guardian will need sign your license application in order to provide consent for you to ride.

NOTE: It is not mandatory to obtain a Class MP instructional permit in order to take the Class M exam to obtain a motorcycle license. However, it is the best option in order to get the practice you need to pass your on-cycle skills test on the first try.

New to Georgia?

If you're a new Georgia resident, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license to Georgia and receive a Class M license. You must be at least 18 years old to do so; otherwise, you will need to follow the processes outlined below.

To transfer your license, go to your local DDS Customer Service Center and:

  • Present your out-of-state motorcycle license.
    ―If your license has been lost or stolen, you must submit a certified copy of your out-of-state driving record or motor vehicle report dated within the last 60 days.
  • Provide proof of Georgia residency, birth date, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
  • Provide proof of your Social Security number.
  • Pass the vision exam.

NOTE: If your out-of-state license is expired for more than 2 years, you will also need to take the written knowledge exam and road test.

Georgia Motorcycle Permit (Class MP)

To earn a Class MP motorcycle permit, you must be at least 16 years old. You can prepare yourself for the exams you will be taking by studying the motorcycle manual and taking a practice test.

Applicants who are 16 years old must also complete a Georgia Driver Training/Driver Education Course course of 30 hours, a certified Georgia Behind-the-Wheel program (including the driving requirement of 40 hours), and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP).

When you're ready to apply for your Georgia motorcycle instruction permit, make an appointment at your local DDS office and:

  • Provide proof of identity, address, birth date, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
  • Provide proof of Social Security number.
  • Submit a license application (if under 18 years old, it must be signed by your parent/guardian).
  • If under 18 years old:
    ―Present one of the following proofs of school attendance or graduation:
      • High school diploma.
      • GED.
    ―Provide certificate of completion from an ADAP or eADAP course.
    ―Provide proof of completion of a certified Georgia Driver Training/Driver Education Course course of 30 hoursand Georgia Behind-the-Wheel program.
      • If you completed your behind-the-wheel training through the Parent-Teen Driving Guide, submit your behind-the-wheel session checklists, the 40 hours driving log signed by your parent/guardian, and your Parent/Teen Driving Agreement.
  • Pass the vision exam.
  • Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam.
  • Pay the $10 permit fee.

Your motorcycle permit is valid for 6 months, during which time you may practice riding until you are comfortable enough with your skills to take the on-cycle road test in order to earn your full Class M motorcycle license.

Instruction Permit Restrictions

While holding a Class MP instruction permit, you may ride only under the following restrictions:

  • You may ride only during daylight hours.
  • You may not drive with any passengers.
  • You may not drive on limited access roadways.
  • You must wear safety equipment as prescribed by law.

Georgia Motorcycle License (Class M)

You must be at least 17 years old to apply for your Georgia Class M motorcycle license. The process will differ slightly based on whether you've earned a learner's permit or taken the Basic Riders Course before applying, or if you're applying without having first taken either of those steps.

When you're ready to apply for your Georgia Class M license, go to your local DDS Customer Service Center (if you hold a permit, you can make an appointment) and:

  • Present proof of identity, address, birth date, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
  • Provide your Class MP learner's permit, if applicable.
  • Submit a license application (if under 18 years old, it must be signed by your parent/guardian).
  • If under 18 years old, present one of the following proofs of school attendance or graduation:
    ―Certificate of Attendance (Form DDS-1).
    ―High school diploma.
    ―GED.
  • Submit your Basic Riders Course certificate of completion, if applicable.
  • Provide proof of registration or ownership, and proof of insurance for the motorcycle you will be testing on (if applicable).
  • Pass the vision exam.
  • Pass the written knowledge exam (exempt if you earned a motorcycle permit) and road skills test―you will earn a waiver good for 90 day for both exams if you've completed the Basic Riders Course (see below).
  • Pay the license fee:
    $32 for 8-year license.

Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program Courses

Georgia offers motorcycle riders the opportunity to take motorcycle safety courses designed to help new and experienced riders learn how to be safe and responsible as a motorcyclist in the driving environment. Each course is tailored to your particular skill level, and will help you become aware of your own actions and those of other drivers each time you're on the roads.

You can enroll for any of the courses listed below through the DDS online registration portal, or you may call:

  • (678) 413-8400 (Metro-Atlanta area).
  • (866) 754-3687 (Outside of Atlanta).

Georgia Basic Riders Course

The Basic Riders course teaches essential motorcycle information and skills through both classroom and on-cycle instruction. Both a motorcycle and a helmet will be provided to you for the duration of the course, and you will take both a written knowledge exam and an on-cycle skills test.

To enroll:

  • Submit a signed enrollment waiver.
  • Wear only DOT-approved gear and equipment, including helmet, gloves, boots, etc.
  • If under 18 years old, bring your parent/guardian to the first session to sign the waiver form.

If you elect to take the Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Course, you will receive a 90 day waiver that allows you to bypass the DDS knowledge exam and skills test, since you will take both of them during the duration of your course. If you do not submit your waiver and obtain your motorcycle license within that time, you will be required to take the written and on-cycle exams when you apply for your license.

The cost of the Basic Riders Course is $250 for Georgia residents and $300 for non-residents.

NOTE: You must be at least 17 years old before the waiver expires. If you are under 18 years old, you must also have met all Joshua's Law requirements for driver's education and behind-the-wheel training mentioned in the Permit and License sections above.

Georgia Experienced Riders Course

The Experienced Riders Course/License Waiver (ERC/ERCLW) is a course designed to help riders hone both their on-cycle and mental skills. You must have at least 6 months or 500 miles of previous riding experience in order to qualify for this course.

To enroll, you must provide:

  • Your own motorcycle (with proof of ownership and/or registration) and helmet.
  • Proof of insurance.
  • Class M license endorsement or current Class MP instructional permit.
  • Eye protection, proper boots, gloves, sturdy pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.

If you currently possess a motorcycle permit only, completion of the License Waiver (ERCLW) course will allow you to earn the 90 day waiver for your Class M motorcycle license.

Costs of the classes are:

  • ERC: $250 for Georgia residents and $300 for nonresidents.
  • ERCLW: $100 for Georgia residents and $150 for nonresidents.

Advanced Riders Course

The Advanced Riders Course is a one-day course that provides an overview of how to assess your own skills as a rider and manage your risk. It also teaches advanced riding strategies. The enrollment fee is $250 for both residents and nonresidents.

To enroll, you must:

  • Possess a Class M motorcycle license endorsement.
  • Provide a street-legal motorcycle with proof of ownership and/or Georgia registration.
  • Show proof of insurance for your motorcycle.
  • Wear a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, boots, and eye protection.
  • If under 18 years old, you must bring your parent/legal guardian to the course to sign the waiver.

It is also recommended that you have at least 6 months or 500 miles of motorcycle riding experience before taking this class, and that you have already completed either the Basic Course and/or the Experienced Riders course.

Other GA Motor-Driven Cycles

In Georgia, the legal classification of “motorcycle" encompasses not just standard motorcycles, but also scooters, motorbikes, and mini-bikes with engine sizes of 51 cubic centimeters or more. All of these vehicles are considered to be “motor-driven cycles." Each of these vehicles must adhere to the licensing processes listed above, and must also be registered with the state of Georgia.

A moped is classified as a motor-driven cycle with an engine less than 50 cubic centimeters or less. Mopeds do not require licensing or registration to be driven in Georgia.

For more information on mopeds in Georgia, please visit our GA Mopeds and Scooters page.

Georgia Registration & Insurance Requirements

Motorcycles (including motor-driven cycles under that classification) must be titled and registered in the state of Georgia. Please visit our Georgia motorcycle registration page for detailed information on how to register your motorcycle. Mopeds do not require registration.

You must also have liability insurance in order to operate your motorcycle legally on the Georgia roads, and you must have proof of insurance on your person at all times while riding. You will also be required to show proof of insurance at your road test for the motorcycle you will be testing on.

For more information on motorcycle insurance requirements, and tips on how to obtain insurance discounts, visit our Georgia Auto Insurance page.

Forms

DDS-1
Certificate of Attendance
This form certifies a teen applying for a permit or driver's license is currently enrolled in school. Must be completed by a school official.
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